Knights set to host Canucks alumni in charity fundraiser

Just two members of the Langley Knights were alive during the Vancouver Canucks memorable run to the 1994 Stanley Cup finals.

Of course, Blake Gorrill and Levi De Waal likely don’t remember much considering they were both just in the first few months of their lives and had yet to discover hockey.

But the pair and the rest of their Knights teammates are getting set to suit up against some of the Canucks stars from that ’94 squad, including forward Cliff Ronning, goaltender Kirk McLean, and defencemen Jyrki Lumme and Dave Babych.

The junior B Knights will play the Canucks alumni squad at the George Preston Recreation Centre on Jan. 4.

Also confirmed playing for the alumni team will be Garth Butcher and Garry Monahan.

The team will be coached by Orland Kurtenbach — the team’s first captain — and Dennis Ververgaert.

The game is being organized by John Craighead — the general manager and coach of the Knights and a former pro hockey player himself, who also spent some time in the Canucks organization.

Craighead also plays on the Canucks alumni team so he will turn over the coaching reigns to his assistants for the game, trading his jacket and tie for skates and a stick,

Proceeds raised from the game will go to Sophie’s Place, a child advocacy centre, and the Centre for Child Development.

“They have an unbelievable centre in Langley and Surrey,” Craighead said.